It has the ability to drive down a gravel road or up to the ski hill but Nissan has made sure it is also as comfortable as a road car and as fuel-efficient as it can be…

The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid is on a quest… a quest to get your family where you need to go on as little fuel as possible.

Looks

One of the biggest changes last year was the switch from body-on-frame to a unibody construction. This reduced the overall weight, which makes a big difference on the fuel economy. The shape and design characteristics of this truck have changed, much smoother lines, and more aerodynamic.

I remember the first Pathfinder introduced in 1986 and aimed at capturing some of the Toyota 4runner buyers. It looked promising but never completely took off. I think the focus was more on the off-road when it should have been more on-road with the ability to travel off-road.

This version has done this, taking design cues and comfort from the Nissan Rogue and creating a larger crossover capable of transporting seven.

In The Cab

My tester was the Platinum edition. It came equipped with leather seats with 8 way power adjustability, 4 way power for the front passenger, EZ flex seating system with 2^nd row 60/40 split fold-flat bench seat, and 3^rd row 50/50 split fold flat reclining bench seat. The leather wrapped steering wheel is heated and is a nice feature. There is plenty of wood tone trim but it is not overdone, giving it a rich feel.

Bose audio system with 13 speakers, AM/FM/CD, SiriusXM, auxiliary audio input jack, USB connection, streaming audio via Bluetooth, steering wheel mounted audio controls and speed sensitive volume control and just some of the comforts you will find in the Pathfinder Platinum.

The around view monitor uses four cameras to create a composite image from above and displays it on the touch screen monitor. This helps show the vehicle’s position relative to the lines around the parking space and guides you in easily.

Safety-First

Nissan’s advanced airbag system include, dual stage front airbags, driver and front passenger seat mounted side impact, and roof mounted curtain side impact airbags with rollover sensor. Traction control (TSC) and vehicle dynamic control (VDC) are standard on all models.

Power

The engine is a 2.5-litre 4 cylinder with a 15kw, power regenerating electric motor, powered by lithium-ion cells and a dual clutch system that transfers power from the electric motor and the engine. This system generates 250 hp. The transmission is Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) The All-mode 4×4 I-system allows select ability between 2WD, Auto, or 4WD lock. An independent front strut and multi-link rear gives the vehicle a comfortable ride.

Pump Frequency:

7.8/7.1 L/100 km (city/highway) as tested

Warranty Support:

Basic coverage: 3 years/ 60,000 kms

Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 kms

Corrosion surface: 3 years/ 60,000 kms

Roadworthy:

This vehicle does remind me of the Nissan Rogue. It is larger but feels very similar and that’s a good thing. I think Nissan is heading in the right direction with this vehicle. If studies show limited use off-road, then why spend money making this an off-road vehicle? It has the ability to drive down a gravel road or up to the ski hill but Nissan has made sure it is also as comfortable as a road car and as fuel-efficient as it can be.

Verdict:

I think Nissan thought outside of the box on this one and was not afraid to start fresh and create something new.

Sticker price:

S – $29,998

S 4WD – $31,998

SV 4WD – $35,248

SL – $35,698

SL 4WD – $37,698

SV Hybrid – $39,248

Platinum Premium Hybrid – $42,098

Price as tested – $50,893

Contact: ian [dot] harwood [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca